Statutes are the permanent laws of the state, incorporating new laws, amendments, or repeals of old law. They originate as bills passed by the legislature that are signed into law by the governor. Administrative Rules are adopted by an agency to make the law it administers more specific or to govern the agency's organization or procedure. Rulemaking authority must first be granted by the legislature. Rules have the effect of law.
The latest version of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) rules is from August 3, 2009 - 2009 WCA Rule (pdf). There have been changes to the statutes (which are the basis of the WCA rules) in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2024. Some of these changes were effective immediately, others require BWSR to modify the WCA rule in order for them to take effect (see Rulemaking page for more information). The following documents summarize and explain relevant WCA statute changes that have occurred since adoption of the 2009 WCA rule.
2024 WCA Statute Changes (pdf) New
Narrated Presentation of 2024 Statute Changes Summary (link to video)
Q & A Webinar on 2024 Statute Changes (link to video)
2017 WCA Statute Change Related to Wetland Replacement and Presettlement Areas (pdf)
2015 WCA Statute Changes (pdf)
2012 WCA Statute Changes (pdf)
2011 WCA Statute Changes (pdf)